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Direct Dark Matter Search with Cryogenic Detectors

Wolfgang Rau
Fachhochschule Munchen

Friday, October 14, 2005
12:30 PM @ Stirling C

Abstract:

In astronomical and cosmological observations we find very strong evidence that our Universe is dominated by so far unknown types of matter and energy. More than 90 % of the matter in the Universe is non-luminous and most of this is also non-baryonic. Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMPs) have been proposed to solve this Dark Matter problem.

I will discuss the effort to directly search for WIMPs with cryogenic detectors, which is the presently most sensitive technique. Techniques, status, latest results and future plans of the experiments CDMS and CRESST will be presented in detail as well as future plans in Europe and North America to build large scale cryogenic detectors for direct WIMP search.

Dr. Rau is a candidate for the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Particle Astrophysics.